Two shocking incidents of gun violence took place late on Saturday in Detroit and Philadelphia.
Although details in each case remain scarce, they both occurred during a period of heightened awareness of gun violence in the wake of the June 17 massacre of nine people at the historically black Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
According to the Associated Press, one person was killed and nine others were wounded at a Detroit block party on Saturday. The deceased victim was 20 years old and the wounded ranged from ages 21 to 46. Police believe the slain man may have been the target for the attack.
"Through the grace of God no children were shot," Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt said.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, a gunman opened fired on on a block party with a shotgun, injuring seven people including three children, according to the local NBC affiliate.
Authorities confirmed that the three children were rushed to the hospital and are in critical condition.
Police told NBC Philadelphia that an 18-month-old victim suffered a neck wound, an 11-year-old girl was grazed on the knee and shoulder, and a 13-year-old boy was struck in the chest. All the other victims were between the ages of 22 and 46.
"It looks like they just randomly fired down the street and hit anyone in their way," said Philadelphia Police Lt. John Walker. "It was just a terrible situation."